CTC Review: 2009 Ford Flex Limited AWD

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Well, yes, the handling, resale value, the price, the reliability, looks all go to the Ody....

Now you're just talking out of your ass.

The Odyssey, when equipped the same costs about the same, and AWD isn't offered. Resale of any mini-van right now isn't great, dunno how this will do. And according to Consumer Reports, the Odyssey gets an "Average" rating, the same as the Taurus X and less than the "Above Average" the Edge gets. The only thing that C&D said was that they wish it handled more like the Odyssey, period.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I was curious about the coefficient of drag for this thing and found this:

At 55 mph, the Flex needs only 8.90 horsepower while the nearest competitors in the full-size crossover segment - the GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander - require more than 9.30 horsepower.  Moreover, the Flex's coefficient of drag is significantly better than all of its Asian competitors.  Flex tests at 0.355 coefficient of drag while the competitors are at 0.375.

Ford Press Release

Which, is pretty darned good if true.

[safristi]

..My measure of decent Vd Cd...was always BELOW  point 3 ....isn't a TANK a 0.3935???....

[johnd]

Levi.
wtf are you talking about.  Back to subject,  Think about it fellas a comparable equiped Oydssey is more money.  Plus you look like the soccer mom.  You tell me which looks cooler taking you wife out on a night on the town in your mommy mobile or driving the gangster looking Ford Flex.  No brainer Ford Flex hands down.

[safristi]

  of yer WIFE!!!!

[johnd]

safristi,
Lets just say that "Christy" I mean my wife would not want to have her picture allover the web but if you insist.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

..My measure of decent Vd Cd...was always BELOW  point 3 ....isn't a TANK a 0.3935???....

One of the slipperiest cars around is the Audi A8, which comes in around 0.28. Most cars are in the low .3s. Most SUVs and pickups are in the 0.4 range.

[smok]

I was curious about the coefficient of drag for this thing and found this:

At 55 mph, the Flex needs only 8.90 horsepower while the nearest competitors in the full-size crossover segment - the GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander - require more than 9.30 horsepower.  Moreover, the Flex's coefficient of drag is significantly better than all of its Asian competitors.  Flex tests at 0.355 coefficient of drag while the competitors are at 0.375.

Ford Press Release

Which, is pretty darned good if true.

I was quite surprised when I saw the flex in person.  It's low to the ground.  But it's a heavy beast.  And fugly.

On a related note:

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/flex-designer-casualty-of-ford-bloodletting/

[rrocket]

One of the slipperiest cars around is the Audi A8, which comes in around 0.28.

Even more slippery (and more amazing IMO) is the Cd of the Lexus LS460 of .26

My 1998 GS400 was .29, and my 1994 Supra a rather disappointing .31

[Sir Osis of Liver]

One of the slipperiest cars around is the Audi A8, which comes in around 0.28.

Even more slippery (and more amazing IMO) is the Cd of the Lexus LS460 of .26

Forgot about that one. 

[mmret]

One of the slipperiest cars around is the Audi A8, which comes in around 0.28.

Even more slippery (and more amazing IMO) is the Cd of the Lexus LS460 of .26

My 1998 GS400 was .29, and my 1994 Supra a rather disappointing .31

Shameless plug: I got a 0.27

I need it too cause the car is slow.

[rrocket]

I need it too cause the car is slow.

Quit complaining and buy the Comp tech Supercharger kit or a turbo kit....

[mmret]

I need it too cause the car is slow.

Quit complaining and buy the Comp tech Supercharger kit or a turbo kit....

For that kind of money I could just flip it and get an IS300

[Leviathan]

Levi.
wtf are you talking about. 

Canadian music there Skippy. I guess if it isn't sung by a gangsta with gold chains talking about popping a cap in someone's ass it ain't music 

[airbalancer]

Levi.
wtf are you talking about. 

Canadian music there Skippy. I guess if it isn't sung by a gangsta with gold chains talking about popping a cap in someone's ass it ain't music 

wtf are you writing about

[C. Fletcher]

For those who remember me from the discussion related to the Day-by-Day review of the Dodge Journey, I just want to let you know that I've bought a Taurus X.   I got an amazing deal on a slightly used one that the dealer bought in the US.  Picking it up tomorrow.

Anyway, I did take the Flex for a test drive during the shopping process. For some reason, which my be just in my head, I liked the driving dynamics of the Taurus X much better than that of the Flex.  Essentially, the Flex felt less agile (as far as agility goes when it comes to those two cars) than the Taurus X.  In addition, at the risk of being called old-fashioned, my appreciatory senses were more in agreement with the Taurus X's straightforward styling than the I'm-trying-really-hard-to-make-a-statement look of the Flex.

That said, as the reviewer pointed out, I'm not sure where Ford is going with two big crossovers (Taurus X and Flex) and the Edge that are essentially variations of the same theme.  I have a feeling that one of those, or maybe two, will soon be a victim of survival of the fittest.  I just hope, but not holding my breath, that it won't be the Taurus X. 

[Trainman]

I saw on of these in Quesnel last week, it did not look too big at all, at least next to all the redneck pickups we get in the interior of BC     But really, is it that big or does it just look big on its own?

Could be a winner for Ford if priced and optioned right.

[Careener]

Congrats on the Taurus X.. A truly underappreciated vehicle imo.
To answer your question, the future is the Edge and Flex. Taurus X is end of life.

[articsteve]

I think a snow plow would suit it. 

[Tuck]

Just Americans can build such stupid looking car (SUV)